Social Services Month

Douglas County Celebrates Social Services Month

Posted on 03/20/2019

Celebrated each March, National Professional Social Work Month is an opportunity for social workers across the country to turn the spotlight on the profession and highlight the important contributions they make to society. Douglas County has its own unique team of social workers including departments with-in Social Services and our Public Guardian. The official theme for Social Work Month in March 2019 is "Social Workers: Elevate Social Work.”

As a Community Action Agency, Douglas County Social Services (DCSS) offers supportive services to county residents in need of assistance. As the primary entry point to services at all levels, Social Services is the place to start when looking for answers to life’s challenges. They provide intensive case management services to those who are willing to work on goals toward greater self-sufficiency. For our residents on fixed incomes, they provide services to stretch the household budget, like food and utility assistance. With the housing crisis in rural Nevada, they have programs to support housing stability and affordability. Residents seeking employment or better employment case management and financial assistance is available . This assistance comes from Community Services Block Grants and can pay for any financial barrier limiting someone from returning to work or gaining better employment (clothing, DMV costs, licensing, testing, medical clearance, uniforms, gasoline, etc.) Clients participating in the program also receive on-financial employment assistance in the form of training, resume development, application assistance, interview training, goal setting and job retention. Social Services is the primary entry point for the Carson Valley Community Food Closet Voucher Program.

In Douglas County, the Public Guardian serves as the guardian of the person, the estate, or the person and the estate of an incompetent person. Nevada is one of only a handful of states to have a guardianship compliance program and Douglas County has become a model for other rural counties in the state.

Social workers are devoted to making the world a better place for their clients whether they are children, adults or seniors. Treating patients correctly is important and social workers play a role in doing so. Douglas County is proud of the social work we do and the services we provide. If you haven’t already, thank a social worker this month!